Financial confidence is the gift that keeps on giving

Your guilt-free guide to holiday shopping

Go overboard on your holiday spending last year and the year before? Break the cycle with an easy-to-follow game plan that’ll help you experience the joy of giving—without the side of regret.

1. Trim your gift list.

Cross casual acquaintances off your holiday gift list and focus your giving on immediate family members and your closest friends. This puts more attention, time and money into presents for your dearest loved ones without setting back your financial plans.

2. Determine a comfortable spending limit.

Financial advisors recommend allocating no more than 1.5 percent of your annual salary to holiday-related expenses. Subtract your estimated food, travel and entertainment purchases from that number to get your gift-giving budget. Divide that amount by the total number of people on your gift list to get your maximum, per-person price limit.

3. Think personalization.

Thoughtful gifts, like a framed photo of a special shared experience, can create more lasting memories than expensive ones. If someone outside your gift list offers you a present, simply return the thought with a heartfelt thank-you card or a homemade treat.

4. Do your research.

Before you commit to a purchase, research the product online. Check out cost-comparison sites like PriceGrabber.com to search for the retailer with the lowest price and find comparable gift alternatives, in case your first choice isn’t available.

5. Take advantage of genuine discounts.

Not all discounts are created equal. Some retailers inflate prices, then mark down products to resemble a sale—so make sure each price cut checks out. Free online shipping and percentages off your entire bill usually point to real savings.

This content is general in nature and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult with competent legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment professionals based on your specific circumstances. We do not make any warranties as to accuracy or completeness of this information, do not endorse any third-party companies, products, or services described here, and take no liability for your use of this information.

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey is the trade name for the corporate and investment banking services of SunTrust Banks, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC.

SunTrust Bank and its affiliates do not accept fiduciary responsibly for all banking and investment account types offered. Please consult with your SunTrust representative to determine whether SunTrust and its affiliates have agreed to accept fiduciary responsibility for your account(s) and if you have completed the documentation necessary to establish a fiduciary relationship with SunTrust Bank or an affiliate. Additional information regarding account types and important disclosures may be found at http://www.suntrust.com/investmentinfo.

*SunTrust National Financial Confidence Poll,” 2017, SunTrust Bank

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